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Parking and lease rates going up in Cultus Lake Park

The increases are to offset capital improvement costs and infrastructure needs, according to Cultus Lake Park Board reps
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Parking rates in Cultus Lake Park are being hiked to $10 per day in 2016

The cost of visitor parking and residential leases in Cultus Lake Park are going up for 2016.

Parking is being hiked by $4 per day, and residential leases will be raised by an average of $30 per lot.

"Given the capital improvements for the park office and the increasing cost of providing services to the park, including Main Beach, we are increasing the base rent for the residential leases by five per cent and increasing parking from $6 to $10, or from $2/hr to $3/hr," said David Renwick, chair of the Cultus Lake Park Board in a report.

"We believe that these increases are justified given the increased costs."

Park board finances are "finally" in the black, and the approach of fiscal prudence will continue, he said, as well as seeking ways to "enhance returns" on their business units.

"We are very mindful of the significant infrastructure costs that will be required over the next number of years," the park board chair wrote.

Several things are new for 2016 at the park board, including a new executive staff led by the new Director of Park operations, Bonny Bryant.

He praised the good work of the Events and Activities Committee volunteers, who "worked tirelessly to make our place a better place to live" and thanked them for creating events like Movies in the Park, Live Elvis concert at the Plaza, and the display of Christmas lights and Christmas activities.

"I'm told that next year will be even better," he said.

Park board officials have opened a store at the Sunnyside Campground.

"This has proven to be a valuable service and a successful business unit for the park."

New playground equipment was installed at Main Beach.

The park board is also working closely with FVRD on infrastructure improvements, and on relinquishing operation of water system to the regional district.

"Information has been provided to the public that shows the real challenges that we face regarding our sewer and water systems," he wrote. "Significant money will be needed over the coming years to ensure that we have a safe and efficient water and sewer system. By partnering with the FVRD we can look to alternate funding sources that would not be available to the Park."

Some of the park's forested lands were cleared of fire fuel in cooperation with the Community Wildfire Protection Plan.

"This will continue into 2016 and as everyone knows this project is important to reduce the risk associated with any fires in the park."

The third draft of Plan Cultus will be available shortly, and the details of the public hearing process are also coming soon.

"We look forward to a lively, respectful debate to help us chart the Lake's future."



Jennifer Feinberg

About the Author: Jennifer Feinberg

I have been a Chilliwack Progress reporter for 20+ years, covering the arts, city hall, as well as Indigenous, and climate change stories.
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